Evelyn was married for 66 years to the love of her life, Gene Bissell, before he passed away in January 2016. She leaves behind her son, Mark and wife Kristi, of McPherson; her daughter, Nancy and husband Ted, of Port Murray, N.J.; seven grandchildren, Katie, Kristine, Laura, Emily, Evan, Ally and Nick; and four great-grandchildren, Dylan, Audrey, Lennon and Nora.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Gene; her parents; her brothers Aubrey Deeker and Marvin Deeker; and her two sisters, Martha Johnson and Zelma Zimmerman.

Evelyn graduated from Herman High School, Herman, Mo., and then embarked on a career in nursing, which spanned over 40 years. After graduating from Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing, Evelyn went on to complete her education at Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio. She and Gene were married Aug. 27, 1949, and they moved to Salina in 1950. During her professional career, Evelyn taught at the Asbury School of Nursing and was an elementary and high school nurse for USD 305 for 21 years. Evelyn was an active member of the University United Methodist Church in Salina, where she served tirelessly on several committees.

Perhaps Evelyn “Granny” will most be remembered for her kind spirit and gentle soul. She loved her family, and she loved her God. She enjoyed gardening, baking, spending time with her grandchildren and reaching out to others. Most holiday meals included young college students from Kansas Wesleyan who could not go home for the holidays. She was an avid fan of the “Yotes” of KW and rarely missed a football game in 44 years.

Visitation will be at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, followed by a service at 10, all at Schlanker Funeral Home, Montgomery City, Mo. A graveside service will be held at Hugo Cemetery followed by a luncheon; all are invited.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kindred Hospice of McPherson, Kansas Wesleyan University or University United Methodist Church in Salina.

Evelyn slipped from this Earth quietly and is now reunited with her beloved Gene and God.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” — Luke 10:27